Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos throws to first base on a infield grounder hit by White Sox centerfielder Adam Eaton during the first inning of the Tigers' 2-1 loss Friday at Chicago. Chris Sweda Chicago Tribune

Tigers DH Jefry Marte is greeted by leftfielder Rajai Davis and manager Brad Ausmus after hitting a home run against the Chicago White Sox during the second inning Friday in Chicago. David Banks Getty Images

Tigers second baseman Josh Wilson forces out White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers at second base and throw to first to complete a double play during the fifth inning Friday in Chicago. David Banks Getty Images

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Recapping how the Tigers dropped the series opener in the Windy City

Tigers third baseman Nick Castellanos throws to first base on a infield grounder hit by White Sox centerfielder Adam Eaton during the first inning on Friday in Chicago.(Photo: Chris Sweda Chicago Tribune)

■What happened: Alfredo Simon took the loss, allowing two runs on five hits over eight innings. He has been pitching with an injured left knee this season, he said after the game. Both runs off Simon came on a double by Adam Eaton in the third inning. White Sox ace Chris Sale allowed one run on five hits over seven innings. Sale set the team's single-season strikeout record in the game. He struck out seven. Jefry Marte hit his fourth home run of the season.

■Starting off: Simon was solid, with Eaton's two-run double the only blemish of his night. He struck out one and walked one over 94 pitches. "It was really tough," he said about the chilly weather, and needed to put a heat pack on his left knee between innings. "When I throw the ball down, things go better for me." Simon finished the season with a 5.05 ERA. He is a free agent in the off-season.

■At the plate: Marte's solo home run in the second inning, a line drive shot to leftfield, accounted for all the Tigers offense. "He's got power, there's no question about that," manager Brad Ausmus said. Josh Wilson went 2-for-3. Lefty Anthony Gose hit a ground-rule double off Sale.

■In the field: Shortstop Dixon Machado made a great play to end the eighth inning, ranging wide to his right to beat Melky Cabrera after a backhand by throwing across his body. "He's definitely a major league shortstop," Ausmus said. "I think he's got more range than we expected." White Sox rightfielder J.B. Shuck made an even greater catch, laying out to rob Machado of extra bases late in the game. Upon impact, Shuck bobbled the ball but caught it with his bare hand.

■Overheard: "It's tough to go up against Chris Sale when it's 72 and sunny," Ausmus said about facing Sale with the conditions.